By Ginny Gong

Growing up in the back of a Chinese laundry was a common way of life
for those of us referred to as the “1.5” generation of immigrants.
We came to this country at a very young age and were soon educated according
to "western" philosophy. But our "eastern" home
environment made it necessary for us to straddle two worlds and two
generations. While our non-English speaking parents maintained their
Asian identity, the children transitioned readily into the new culture.
Although our perspectives may be more similar to that of second generation
immigrants who were born in this country, our hearts are closely linked
to the traditions and customs that are very much a part of first generation
immigrants.

This is the story of an immigrant family’s survival experiences
in their adopted country as well as the story of a community’s
acculturation into American society. The operation of individually owned
Chinese laundries (which also served as residences for most families)
enabled the Chinese American community to live the American dream. In
this autobiography, the struggles and challenges of a young immigrant
girl’s emergence into adulthood is portrayed against the backdrop
of a community’s integration into the fabric of America's multi-cultural
society.

Schools and communities across the nation are quickly changing with
the influx of immigrants. Whether it is the student in search of a book
on the immigrant experience, the English-as-a-Second- Language (ESOL)
learner in need of inspiration, the historian capturing the history
of this nation, the Asian American studies enthusiast interested in
greater familiarity with his/her heritage, or the teacher/parent hoping
to broaden the scope of experiences for those under his/her care, this
book is a must-read for all. Although tailored for the young adult reader,
From Ironing Board to Corporate Board’s message is one
that should resonant in the hearts and minds of anyone interested in
the making of this great nation.

From the author: Identifying books that I could relate to was always
a challenge when I was growing up. Although there were books about Asia
and its people, books on the Asian American experience were seriously
lacking. My hope is that this book fills that void and will be included
in recommended and/or suggested reading lists of schools across this
nation.

Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) in Montgomery County,
MD (199 schools), has approved From Ironing Board to Corporate Board
for inclusion in curriculum and instruction.

From Ironing Board to Corporate Board has been nominated
for the national Chinese American Librarians Association's (CALA) Award
for Best New Book by a Chinese American Author in 2008.

About the Author

Ginny immigrated to America at the age of six. She has a master's degree
in education and was a teacher/administrator for more than two decades.
She serves on a number of boards and commissions and is a frequently
requested speaker. She is currently serving her fourth term as National
President of OCA, a national pan-Asian American organization headquartered
in Washington D.C. with 80 chapters and affiliates. Gong is also the
host of a weekly television talk show, Ginny's . . .where
East meets West, which is going into its 11th year.

Excerpts

"While I was transformed along with the world around me, my parents
never changed. Going home during college break was always a walk down
memory lane. It was wonderful to see Mama and Baba after having been
away. Year after year, my parents were reminders to me that there are
parts of me that would, and should, never change. My roots started in
the laundry as a Chinese immigrant and that is where my heart will always
be. The wings that I found after leaving for college have provided me
with the freedom to be 'me,' but those wings have also been successful
in bringing me back home."

. . . . . . .

"Cow's brain was known to have the capability to cure
headaches and if anyone of us complained about having headaches, Mama
would ask Baba to bring back a package of cow's brain from the
Chinese supermarket in Chinatown. This was added to fresh chicken and
simmered over low heat for hours. Once we knew what went into the soup,
we rarely complained of headaches."

Praise

"Ginny's journey from the ironing board of a Chinese hand laundry
to corporate boards and public service is a story of transformations….
She is the embodiment of the American dream come true. " George Takei, Actor

"I recomend this book not only to the young readers who are interested
in learning about the experiences of immigrants but also to those who
study the history of immigration . . . . It deserves a place in every
library and personal reading list." Dr. Hwa-Wei Lee, Chief of Asian Division,the Library of Congress

"Heartbreaking, and yet heartwarming . . . ." William Poy Lee, Author

"This modest memoir is a gem of an introduction to the lives of Chinese
Americans and other hard working immigrant parents and their children
. . . ." Franklin Odo, Director, Smithsonian Institute

"Ginny's journey isn't just a simple affirmation of the traditional
values of growing up in a Chinese laundry, but a perceptive account
of American life with all its opportunities, complexities, and injustices
yet to be corrected." Gary Mar, Director, Stony Brook

"This is a delightful story of a Chinese American girl who is the thread
that holds together the patchwork of America." Veronica Li, Author

"This book is a powerful and honest account of an American heroine's
negotiations through life as a perpetual foreigner . . . ." Michael Lin, Past President, OCA